OKC Thunder: Royal Ivey available to play in Houston

Those are the words Royal Ivey used to describe the scene when he walked through the doors and spotted his old friends on the Oklahoma City Thunder and they spotted him.

The Thunder's Royal Ivey (7) battles for a rebound with the Kings' Donte Greene (20) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and The Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, Oklahoma City Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Ivey rejoined the team Thursday after signing a 10-day contract. He will be available for the team's game at Houston.

The 32-year-old point guard spent two seasons with the Thunder, from 2010-12, and averaged 1.9 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 59 games.

He gives the team a third point guard in the absence of All-Star Russell Westbrook.

"It's a good feeling," Ivey said. "It's always great to be back, especially with an organization like this. A group of hard-working guys and familiar faces. Whatever they need, I'm here to help out."

Ivey spent last season with Philadelphia, appearing in 53 games and averaging 3.2 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 13.2 minutes.

He joined Atlanta for training camp and the preseason before the Hawks waived him prior to the start of the regular season.

After declining offers from overseas clubs, Ivey decided to wait on another NBA opportunity. While working out between Atlanta, Austin, Texas and Delaware, Ivey had maintained contact with Thunder general manager Sam Presti. Their relationship ultimately is what made his return materialize.

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